ORANGE PARK — Genoa Healthcare and Clay Behavioral Health recognized an Orange Park resident who was selected as a winner of Genoa’s 10th annual nationwide art contest.
Genoa Healthcare holds a nationwide art contest every year to celebrate the mental health benefits of creating art. In 2021, mental health is especially important amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with mental illness and substance use increasing.
Social worker Megan Bloemker said her entry was inspired by the ocean. Further inspiration for her painting came from her work for animal-related organizations, including a stint as a dolphin trainer.
A creative outlet offers a break from the daily rush and allows the artist to live in the moment, she said.
“I decided to capture the beauty of the ocean, which is calming and peaceful,” Bloemker said. “Art is really a fun way to express yourself and with different mediums, methods and styles.”
Genoa Healthcare is based at Clay Behavioral Health. There were a record number of entries for the contest, more than 700, according to a company press release.
Bloemker’s work is featured in Genoa’s virtual gallery and will be included in their 2022 calendar, distributed at its pharmacies across the country. The online gallery includes the artworks and artist statements of 17 additional semifinalists. The gallery can be viewed HERE.